SWRDA outlines plans to make economic development projects ‘zero carbon’ by 2013
A proposal by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) to make economic development projects in the region ‘zero carbon’ by 2013 has been warmly welcomed by Friends of the Earth.
The South West RDA Corporate Plan 2008-11 Stakeholder Discussion Document can be viewed online.
The environmental campaigning group is calling for other RDAs to follow the example of SWRDA by minimising the adverse environmental impacts of regional development and setting out the pathway to a low-carbon future.
Friends of the Earth South West Campaigns Co-ordinator Mike Birkin said: ‘This is a bold move that shows mainstream economic organisations are embracing the carbon challenge. SWRDA realises that the long-term economic success of the region can – and should - go hand in hand with sustainable development, to the advantage of local people. Its leadership on cutting carbon dioxide emissions is commendable and should resonate with regional bodies all around the UK.’
Friends of the Earth believes that ‘zero carbon’ regional development projects are a practical example of how carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced nationwide and is calling on the Government to strengthen a climate change law to include overall cuts of at least 80 per cent by 2050.
The money for economic development which the RDA controls or influences is likely to reach £1 billion over the next three years.
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